What is a PD&E Study?

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is a comprehensive study that evaluates social, economic and environmental effects associated with the proposed transportation improvements so that the FDOT can reach a decision on the type, location and conceptual design to meet the project’s proposed purpose and need. A No-Build Alternative, which considers leaving the roadways in their present state with routine maintenance, remains a viable alternative throughout the study.

A PD&E Study is required even if federal funds are not used. The Study would need to meet state requirements which are similar to federal requirement in analyzing the effects of the proposed improvements. The state equivalent document is called a State Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) or a Non-Major State Action (NMSA) and the document is signed by the FDOT District Secretary/ Delegated Authority or designee. The FHWA would not be involved in this process.

If the study results in a Build Alternative selection, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the Design Phase.

Five Steps in the Transportation Development Process

Long Range Planning: The FDOT and local governments conduct long-range transportation planning on an ongoing basis to identify and prioritize individual projects.

Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E): During this step, design options and their social and environmental effects are examined.

Design: During design, detailed construction plans are prepared.

Right-Of-Way Acquisition: This phase entails acquisition of necessary right-of-way, based on the construction plans.

Construction: The roadway is built during this phase.

The US 301 project just completed the PD&E study phase of the FDOT’s 5-step highway development process. A PD&E study assists the FDOT in determining the location, conceptual design and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvement. During the PD&E study process, feasible alternatives were developed for roadway improvement projects. These “Build” alternatives are evaluated based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input. The need for additional right-of-way for stormwater, floodplain compensation and environmental mitigation were also evaluated during the PD&E study phase. The “No Build” alternative is considered to be a viable alternative and will remain so throughout the study.

If the study results in a “Build” alternative being selected, the project may proceed to the next phase, which is the Project Design phase.

What’s New?

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District Seven held a public hearing for a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for proposed improvements to US 301 (SR 43) in Hillsborough County, Florida on March 1, 2016.

Non-Discrimination Laws & Regulations: The Florida Department of Transportation is required to comply with various non-discrimination laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S. C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.